We have a "Leica M205 A" with a camera in our lab, which is used to photograph small animals and animal parts for taxonomic and systematic studies. We have been using black paraffin as background for photos, but I would like to ask if someone have suggestions of better backgrounds. We also tried with EVA, but it has very small shiny grains that make it a poor background. Maybe someone has some suggestion of a specific kind of cloth, for example? We always edit the photos with Photoshop to erase the background, but a more homogeneous and less reflective background would make the edition easier.
Thank you!
Hi Henrique
Do you need to fix the specimen with pins?
When I do not need to fix my specimens I simply put it in a transparent container (glass or acrylic) over the more contrasting surface possible (black or white, depending on the color of the specimen). Normally, I use the microscope's basis (frequently double-faced “black-white”).
If I need the specimens fixed with pins, to photograph specific positions or views, the application of silicone (used to seal windows, for example) or play dough (children's toy) on the same kind of transparent container are useful alternatives. The silicone is usually translucent enough to see the contrasting ground and the play dough is already colored. In both cases the Photoshop edition is necessary.
Hope it helps.
I use flocked paper for backgrounds. It is available in different colors but black is the most available. It is commonly used in telescopes as a tube liner. The problem with this material is that it is impossible to clean and once you rub it with anything, the reflectivity will change and become noticeable in your photos. This forces you to use a new piece with every setup.
I usually use a double face microscope base with two or more light sources to take photos. When you use more than two light sources you increase the contrast and decrease the excess of reflection on the animal. So, in my case, this way is easy to edit all photos in photoshop
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